THE BIOGRAPHY OF IMAM HADI (AS)

Taqavi · 2025-12-23T17:06:15Z

What is the biography of Imam Hadi (AS) like?

Imam Ali al-Naqi, famously known as Imam Hadi (AS), is the tenth Imam of the Shia. His noble father (Imam Jawad (AS)) named him Ali to continue the Islamic tradition. Following his birth, the Adhan was recited in his right ear and the Iqamah in his left. On the seventh day, he was circumcised, his head was shaved, and silver was given in charity equal to the weight of his hair. A sheep was also sacrificed as an Aqiqah for his blessed well-being.[1]

Most historical sources agree that he was born in the year 212 AH; [2] the most famous view is that his birth occurred in the middle of Dhul-Hijjah of that year. [3] There are other less common reports stating he was born on the 13th of Rajab in 214 AH. [4]

In the terminology of narrators, the Kunya (patronymic) of the tenth Imam is "Abu al-Hasan." Since Imam Kadhim (AS) and Imam Ridha (AS) were also known by this Kunya, narrators often refer to Imam Kadhim as "Abu al-Hasan the First," Imam Ridha as "Abu al-Hasan the Second," and Imam Hadi as "Abu al-Hasan the Third." [5] According to Ibn Shahrashub, the titles of Imam Hadi (AS) include: al-Najib (the Noble), al-Murtadha (the Pleased), al-Taqi (the Pious), al-Hadi (the Guide), al-Alim (the Scholar), al-Faqih (the Jurist), al-Amin (the Trustworthy), al-Mu'min (the Believer), al-Tayyib (the Pure), al-Mutawakkil (the One who trusts God), and al-Askari. Among these, "al-Hadi" and "al-Naqi" are the most famous. [6]

These titles reflect the moral and spiritual virtues that were most manifest in his character. His father was Imam Muhammad bin Ali (AS) and his mother was a great lady named Samana al-Maghribiyya (also known as Sayyida Umm al-Fadhl). Muhammad bin Faraj narrates that Imam Jawad (AS) commissioned him to purchase a slave-girl with specific characteristics, and she became the mother of Imam Hadi (AS). She was raised in the House of Imamat under the supervision of Imam Jawad (AS), reaching high levels of morality and spiritual perfection. [7] Imam Hadi (AS) spoke of her with great honor, saying: "My mother is a knower of my right and is from the people of Paradise; Satan cannot reach her, and the plots of the tyrants do not affect her, for Allah protects her." [8]

Shia sources name four sons for Imam Hadi (AS): Hasan, Muhammad, Husayn, and Jafar, as well as a daughter named Ayesha. [9] Some sources mention two daughters named Ayesha and Dalalah. [10]

The beginning of his Imamat coincided with the reign of the Abbasid caliph al-Mu'tasim. He spent seven years of his Imamat during Mu'tasim's rule, five years under al-Wathiq, fourteen years under al-Mutawakkil, six months under al-Mustansir, two years and nine months under al-Musta'in, and over eight years during the reign of al-Mu'tazz. [11]

The Genius and Greatness of the Imam:

Regarding the Imamat of the tenth Imam, it is stated that he reached this station at the age of seven[12] or six years and five months. [13] He was the second Imam to be chosen by Allah for the station of Imamat during childhood.

Because he became the Imam as a child, the Abbasid caliph al-Mu'tasim thought he could shape the Imam’s thoughts to align with the Abbasid government's ideologies by controlling his education. He ordered Umar bin Faraj to go to Medina and select a teacher for Imam Hadi (who was then about six years old). He emphasized that the teacher must be a staunch enemy of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) to instill hatred toward the family of the Prophet and teach him Nasibi (anti-Shia) beliefs.

Umar bin Faraj went to Medina and chose a man named Junaydi for this task. Junaydi was instructed not only to "teach" the Imam but to prevent the Shia from visiting him. However, after some time, Junaydi was astonished by what he witnessed. When asked how the child was doing, Junaydi replied: "Do not say such things! By Allah, he is the best human on earth and the most virtuous of God’s creation." Junaydi asked in wonder: "Glory be to Allah! Where did this child learn such deep knowledge?" He was so moved by the Imam’s divine light that he eventually became one of the Imam's devoted followers. [14]

Another report regarding his majesty and dignity states that Caliph al-Mutawakkil, after receiving worrying reports about the Imam, decided to kill him. In a rage, he shouted: "By Allah, this man who makes false claims and weakens our government will soon be killed!" He ordered four executioners to attack and kill the Imam as soon as he entered. However, when Imam Hadi (AS) arrived, people rushed to welcome him with excitement. When Mutawakkil saw the Imam, he was so overwhelmed by the Imam’s divine awe and majesty that fear took over him. He actually fell from his throne and rushed to welcome the Imam with respect, asking: "My master! Why have you troubled yourself to come at this hour?" The Imam replied: "Your messenger came and said you wanted me." Mutawakkil, embarrassed, said: "The boy lied! You may return whenever you wish." He then ordered his ministers to escort the Imam back with the highest honors. [15]

The greatness of the Imam always sparked jealousy in the hearts of the envious, and the oppressive caliphs harbored deep resentment because of his prestige. Al-Mu'tamid al-Abbasi became enraged seeing the people speak of the Imam’s knowledge, asceticism, and piety, considering him superior to all other Islamic scholars. His jealousy led him to commit a terrible crime. He plotted to poison the Imam. After drinking the poison, the Imam suffered intense pain and became bedridden. As the poison took its final toll, his noble soul departed to the heavens. His son, Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), with a heart full of grief, performed the burial rites; he washed the body, shrouded him, and prayed over him himself. [16] Imam Hadi (AS) was buried in his home in Samarra, [17] and today his shrine (shared with Imam Hasan al-Askari) is a refuge for the broken-hearted and the lovers of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

[1] . Tarikh-e Zindegani-ye Imam Hadi (a), Rafii, Ali, p. 11.

[2] . Tahlili az Zindegani-ye Imam Hadi, Qureshi, Baqir Sharif, p. 22.

[3] . Al-Kafi, Sheikh Kulayni, Vol. 1, p. 497.

[4] . Tarikh al-Khamis fi Ahwal Anfus al-Nafis, Sheikh Husayn Diyar al-Bakri, Vol. 2, p. 287.

[5] . Tahlili az Zindegani-ye Imam Hadi, Qureshi, Baqir Sharif, p. 24.

[6] . Manaqib Al Abi Talib, Ibn Shahrashub, Vol. 4, p. 401.

[7] . Nasikh al-Tawarikh Zindegani-ye Hazrat Imam Ali al-Naqi al-Hadi, Qolikhan Sepehr, Abbas, Vol. 1, p. 9.

[8] . Wafayat al-Aimmah, by the Scholars of Bahrain and Qatif, p. 351.

[9] . Al-Irshad, Sheikh Mufid, Vol. 2, pp. 311–312.

[10] . Dalail al-Imamah, Tabari-ye Saghir, Muhammad ibn Jarir, p. 412.

[11] . Ilam al-Wara bi-Alam al-Huda, Sheikh Tabarsi, Vol. 2, p. 109.

[12] . Al-Imam Ali al-Hadi, Kurani al-Amili, Ali, p. 4.